MATALAM, COTABATO---To ensure adequate nutrition among infants and young children and encourage breastfeeding among mothers, LGU Matalam establishes Breastmilk storage facility at the Municipal Health Office initiated by the Municipal Nutrition Committee. The launching and ribbon cutting activity was dovetailed during the Nutrition Month Culmination and Awarding Ceremony at the Municipal Health Office-Matalam, Cotabato last July 26, 2021.
The event was supported and attended by the Honorable Vice Mayor Cheryl V. Catamco, RN, Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Rhemia G. Guianan and Provincial Nutrition Committee of Cotabato Province headed by PNAO Ely Nebrija. Also present in the activity were from other partners and stakeholders together with NO II Danah Pearl G. Aurel representing NNC XII and Ms. Jessen T. Masukat, ND IV of DOH-CHD XII.
In her inspirational message, VM Catamco underscored that this facility is one of the current efforts of the LGU in supporting nutrition program, hence a great help especially among mothers to support breastfeeding advocacy and most importantly the First 1000 days. She also recognized the presence of the HRH-Nutritionist-Dietitian in the person of Mr. Jayson Pulido as one of the people who took initiative and facilitated in realizing this project.
The facility will also serve as a counselling and lactation room for breastfeeding and pregnant mothers and breastmilk storage in times of nutrition in emergencies. This facility will surely create a more comfortable environment in fulfilling the needs of mothers in terms of health and nutrition information while protecting the importance of breastfeeding practices.
It is highly recommended that infants should be exclusively breastfed for six months with continued breastfeeding until two years of age while introducing appropriate complementary foods. Always remember that Breastmilk is the best food for babies which can provide the ideal health and nutrition benefits necessary for their optimum growth and development. (NO II Aurel/OIC-NPC)
